The Brower Youth Awards just launched the 2008 prize search for outstanding youth leaders. We’re looking for individuals ages 13-22 with the power and persistence to create environmental change.

The Brower Youth Awards honors six young people annually with a $3000 cash award and weeklong trip to the San Francisco Bay Area. During that week, award recipients will participate in a week of media and public outreach and be recognized at an awards ceremony attended by 900 members of the public.

Past winners have protected Native sacred sites from development, restored wetlands, spread awareness about threatened sea turtles, coordinated student networks pushing for a clean energy future, and more. Their impact doesn't stop there. They continue as environmental change agents, writers, organizers, visionaries, and speakers, supported by Earth Island Institute's New Leaders Initiative. Join them. Apply today for the 2008 Brower Youth Award at http://www.broweryouthawards.org. Applications for the 2008 awards are due May 15.

But what if you're just getting started? You’ve got a great idea for a new environmental organization or project and you’ve got peers and supporters who are as dedicated as you are. What do you do now?

The Youth Venture - Lorax Challenge can give you the support you need to launch your idea, including up to $1000. Earth Island Institute has partnered with Youth Venture and Dr. Seuss Enterprises to give youth in the U.S. and Canada ages 12-20 support to launch new environmental ventures. Find out more at www.newleadersinitiative.org; the deadline for Action Plan submissions is May 31st, 2008.

Moved here from the Share Your Stories board.